Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett

The Big East has been a little short on standout tight ends the past couple of seasons.

That's why it seems like Pittsburgh has an embarrassment of riches at the position, with perhaps the best two tight ends in the league playing at the same time. That double dose of strength was on full display in Saturday's 24-21 win over UConn.

Dorin Dickerson had only one catch, but it was for a 27-yard touchdown. Nate Byham added three catches for 34 yards, including a key seven-yard conversion on fourth-and-three in the fourth quarter when Pitt trailed 21-13.

"It's great to have two veteran guys, two seniors, who definitely know what they're doing," quarterback Bill Stull said. "They're always going to be in the right spot at the right time."

Byham was the first-team All-Big East tight end last season, mainly because of his outstanding blocking skills in the running game. He hadn't been very involved as a pass catcher early this season; his three receptions on Saturday doubled his season total.

"It felt great to be contributing more in the pass game," he said. "It felt great to come up with some big catches for our team when they needed them. I think I was just open on some reads. There was no extra emphasis on getting (me) the ball this week."

Byham said he was actually Stull's third read on the fourth down conversion, but he knew the middle of the field would be open because of the way UConn had been covering. Of course, Byham seems just as happy staying on the line and knocking heads with linebackers and defensive ends as he does running pass routes.

"Nate is such a great blocker, and he helps my game out so much," Dickerson said. "People don't even see how much he helps me out. I'm really happy for him that he got those balls, and look what he did -- he made big plays. He's a playmaker, too, not just a blocker."

As far as the two tight ends go, though, Dickerson has been more of a playmaker this season. He was once a superstar recruit who opted for Pitt over Florida, Michigan, Penn State and others. But he and the Panthers coaching staff had trouble figuring out how best to use his skills during his first three years. He spent time at receiver, at linebacker and even in the backfield before finally switching to tight end last season.

This year, he has become a true weapon. He has 21 catches for 232 yards and is tied with Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard for the Big East lead in touchdown receptions with seven.

"Dorin is a great example for any young player on our football team of getting over adversity and hanging with the program and persevering," Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said. "He's our hybrid guy -- we line him up at fullback, wide receiver and tight end. (Offensive coordinator) Frank Cignetti does a great job of playing him at all those positions."

Stull calls the tight ends "the backbone of our offense" for all the many things they are asked to do. Pitt is lucky to have two guys who can do so much so well.